For Lounge ON20 executive chef Pajo Bruich, a piled-high, fresh-carved pastrami sandwich from Sam’s Hof Brau (2500 Watt Ave., Sacramento) hits the spot. “On a day off, I usually want something comforting,” says Bruich. He orders it up simple: horseradish and mustard on the sandwich, macaroni salad and pickles on the side. “I love the simplicity of it,” he says. Bottom line: $5.19

A big bowl of Mongolian barbecue from Great Wall Bar-B-Q (1537 Howe Ave., Sacramento) is a steal of a deal, says Matthew Jones, executive chef of Pearl on the River. “You can get as much food as you want—whatever meat you want, veggies, garlic, sauces—and they grill it up. It’s really good,” says Jones. He usually drops by with his wife and takes it to go. “We just jam in as much in a bowl as we can,” he notes. Bottom line: $6.99 (lunch), $8.99 (dinner)

The Firehouse executive chef Deneb Williams is partial to the pesto scramble at Orphan Breakfast House (3440 C St., Sacramento), his favorite breakfast haunt. “They use super-fresh ingredients and prepare everything with skill,” says Williams, who also croons about the coffee. The three-egg scramble features fresh basil pesto, Jack cheese, tomatoes and scallions, and it’s served with grilled zucchini and a spinach tortilla. While it’s not dirt cheap, says Williams, Orphan offers “great food at a great value, which in my opinion is far more important.” Bottom line: $8.50